Nonagenarian threatens ‘jal samadhi’, seeking liquor ban in UP

Agra: A 98-year-old former freedom fighter has threatened to end his life by ‘jal samadhi’ on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) unless the Uttar Pradesh government completely bans the sale of liquor in the state.

Chimman Lal Jain announced on Monday that he along with two other activists, will jump into the Yamuna river to protest the failure of the state to enforce total prohibition. The other activists, Bal Yogi of Garib Sena and Mahendra Kumar Parashar will also jump with him.

For the past 18 months Jain has been crusading for prohibition in UP. He has regularly been holding meetings and staging demonstrations in the Dalit localities.

Jain has thrice tried to end his life but timely intervention by the police had saved him. This time too, he is most likely to be confined to his house.

Jain said the worst affected from liquor addiction were the lower income group members. Their families were totally ruined and children suffered the consequences. He said outlets were open 24×7 and there was no police action.